Bellator was forced to crown an interim champion after Eduardo Dantas suffered a concussion in training and his return was left up in the air. UFC lightweight contender TJ Grant has been sidelined since early last year after he went down with a concussion while preparing for a world title fight.

Alvarez and Chandler are set for a third meeting in a highly-promoted pay-per-view fight for Bellator. The promotion had to cancel plans for a PPV last year after an injury to Tito Ortiz. They went with Alvarez-Chandler in a rematch and placed the event on Spike TV.

Officials with Bellator have yet to release any information regarding the reports, which also state Will Brooks would be selected to replace Alvarez and meet Chandler. Brooks (13-1) was the season nine lightweight tournament winner.